While the players for both Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama are 300 miles away preparing to take the field, businesses in New Orleans are getting ready to host the fans.

It's a house divided at the Rusty Nail in the Warehouse District, with two owners cheering for rival teams, and they are expecting a full house Saturday for the big game.

"Because the game is in Alabama, we're going to have maybe 75-25 more Alabama than LSU, but it's going to be a good crowd and a big day for us," owner Ivan Burgess said.

Other than the main bar and patio, a section has been cornered off in the parking lot to accommodate more people in this laid back environment. They also plan to have more staff and security on hand to handle the crowds.

"We're open at 11 a.m., and we're going to have extra bathrooms outside, extra space on the patio, extra chairs and giant TVs everywhere," Burgess said.

Over at Manning's New Orleans, fans will watch a doubleheader on 30 flat-screen televisions, including a 13-foot megascreen.

"We've had calls in all week about, 'Hey, are recliners available? Do you have room in the fan cave?'" general manger Scott Hellmers said. "We know we're going to get a big turnout. People are really excited about it."

The restaurant is preparing for a larger-than-normal college game-day crowd, likely 1,000 people throughout the day.

Both businesses know big crowds mean big excitement and big bucks.

"It's going to be a tremendous boost. LSU-Alabama on Saturday followed by the big Sunday night Saints and Dallas game. It's one of the neatest weekends we've had probably since the season started," Hellmers said.

"It's great for us. We've been here for seven years, so we're used to it, but some of these guys get charged up, and we're ready for them," Burgess said.

Manning's managers said they get reservations weeks in advance for the desired seating, but they encourage people hoping to get a seat in the restaurant area to arrive at least an hour before kickoff.